Emilie Le Neillon, 40, works as a specialized territorial agent for nursery schools (ATSEM) at Paul-Langevin school in Pontivy, Morbihan. Earning a net monthly salary of 1,680 euros, she handles household tasks and assists the teacher in a somewhat challenging outlying neighborhood. She calls for greater recognition of her profession.
At Paul-Langevin school in Pontivy, Emilie Le Neillon manages a range of duties. The 40-year-old ATSEM earns 1,680 euros net per month. She guides the children, particularly during meals in the canteen, where eight small tables occupy only half the room.
The school, located near the stadium in an outlying neighborhood, has lost about 40 students since the partial demolition of the Vélodrome housing estate in 2021. This has led to smaller class sizes, but the two multi-level nursery classes may not continue next year, she notes while separating fidgety children.
Alongside her colleague Jennifer, she oversees lunchtime supervision due to the absence of an additional service agent. The closure of the municipal kitchen workshop has added strain: soup must be served in small portions, young children prevented from replacing pacifiers in their mouths, meals adapted for Muslim children with chicken meatballs, and cutlery use demonstrated—all while maintaining constant attention on the group.
“We deserve more recognition,” says Emilie Le Neillon, whose glass lunch container remains half-eaten and open. These tense midday routines highlight the everyday challenges faced by municipal agents amid staffing shortages.
